A well-known fact: India was subjected to British rule beginning with the English victory in 1857. For many years, the British collected a tax called Lagaan from the Indians, claiming that it was used to protect the Indians themselves. Once upon a Time in India is about the Indian people′s non-violent revolution against the British colonizers. In 1893, in a small town, people are unable to pay their taxes due to the drought. British officer Russell proposes an idea. If the Indians win the cricket match, the tax payment will be exempted. However, if defeated in the match, the Indians should pay three times the original tax. Typical of an Indian commercial film, dance and song routines thrust themselves into the story, here with seven tunes. Although the film is filled with cliches, it is nevertheless inviting, never losing its power to hold its viewers throughout its long running time. Shots of simple yet passionate faces of the Indians are enough to label this film an anti imperialist, ethnographic film. (Kang So-Won)